The PlayStation 2, developed by Sony, is the second installment in the PlayStation series, following the original PlayStation and preceding the PlayStation 3. The announcement of its development took place in March 1999, with the console launching in Japan on March 4, 2000. It subsequently became available in North America on October 26, 2000, in Europe on November 24, 2000. This console has achieved remarkable success, becoming the fastest-selling and most popular video game console ever. By the third quarter of 2011, nearly 155 million units of the PlayStation 2 had been sold globally. Production in Japan concluded on December 28, 2012, and Sony officially announced the end of PS2 production worldwide on January 4, 2013. Consequently, the PlayStation 2 enjoyed a production span of nearly 13 years, marking one of the longest life cycles in the gaming industry.
PlayStation 2 Logo
Ken Kutaragi is widely recognized as the “father” of the PlayStation, having spearheaded the development and launch of the original PlayStation in 1994, followed by the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation 3.
During the presentation of the PlayStation 2, Kutaragi acknowledged that he and his team could not assure a successful launch, in contrast to Nintendo. Sony encountered significant challenges in its inaugural production year, primarily due to limited manufacturing output and a persistent shortage of consoles in retail outlets. By the end of 2000, only a few million units had been sold. Many consumers resorted to purchasing the console through online auctions like eBay to obtain it quickly. The successful introduction of the console was bolstered by the strong Sony brand and its backward compatibility with the previous model, which contributed to sales of 900,000 units within the first week in Japan alone.
PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 2 Slim consoles
One of the standout elements of the advertising campaign was the “PS9” commercial, which depicted the launch of the PlayStation 2 as a significant progression towards the ultimate, ninth iteration of the console. This same advertisement was also utilized in the marketing efforts for the PlayStation Portable. Analysts anticipated a competitive landscape featuring a three-way rivalry among the PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube. However, the introduction of several blockbuster titles during the 2001 holiday season significantly enhanced the PlayStation 2’s market position, allowing it to distance itself from its rivals.
Initially, Sony did not prioritize online gaming; however, this approach shifted with the debut of the Xbox, which offered online capabilities from the outset. In response, Sony adapted in late 2002 by launching several popular titles, including SOCOM: US Navy SEALs, that featured online multiplayer functionality. The marketing for Sony was robust, and its online gaming model received backing from Electronic Arts. Similar to Nintendo, Sony entered the online gaming arena later than some competitors. While both companies opted for a decentralized model, where developers were responsible for hosting game servers, Sony’s efforts to implement this feature played a crucial role in the commercial success of the PlayStation 2.
Gamepad for PlayStation 2
In September 2004, prior to the launch of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which became the top-selling game of the 2004 holiday season, Sony unveiled a new, more compact version of its console. To facilitate the introduction of the new model (SCPH-70000), Sony ceased production of the previous model (SCPH-5000x) during the summer of 2004, allowing retailers to clear their existing inventory. This decision resulted in some delays in the availability of the new model in various locations.
The strength of the Sony brand played a crucial role in ensuring robust support from third-party game developers. While the initial game lineup at the console’s launch in 2000 was not particularly remarkable, by the Christmas season of 2001, a number of best-selling and critically acclaimed titles had emerged. The abundance of successful games contributed significantly to the console’s popularity, enabling the PlayStation 2 to retain its dominance in the gaming console market, even as competition intensified with the introduction of the Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo GameCube. In many instances, Sony secured exclusive agreements with publishers to enhance its competitive edge.
Cover from the game Grand Theft Auto Vice City
The PlayStation 2 has introduced a variety of music games, including Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero, which utilize a specialized electric guitar controller. In total, the console boasts a library of over 3,860 unique games. The latest titles released for the PlayStation 2 include Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin in Asia, FIFA 13 in North America, and Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 in Europe.
The hardware of the PlayStation 2 is capable of reading both CDs and DVDs. It maintains backward compatibility with PlayStation 1 games and supports DVD video playback, allowing new PlayStation 2 games to function with both formats. The inclusion of DVD movie playback was designed to enhance the console’s appeal to consumers, with a launch price of $300 in October 2000. Additionally, the PlayStation 2 is compatible with PS1 memory cards for saving PS1 game data, as well as older controllers.
Game Grand Theft Auto Vice City
The DualShock 2 controller for the PlayStation 2 represents an enhanced iteration of the original DualShock controller from the PS1. Notably, all buttons, with the exception of the R3, L3 sticks, and the START and SELECT buttons, feature pressure sensitivity. The overall design of the gamepad has been improved, resulting in greater reliability and durability compared to its predecessor. This design was largely retained for the PlayStation 3, which introduced the SIXAXIS controller. Subsequently, the DualShock 3 was launched, maintaining the features of the SIXAXIS while reintroducing the vibration feedback from earlier DualShock models. This new controller is wireless and incorporates gyroscopes to detect its orientation in space, along with vibration capabilities.
The compatibility of USB devices is contingent upon the software’s support for them. Specifically, the PlayStation 2 does not have the capability to boot from an ISO image stored on a flash drive or to print to a USB printer, as the PlayStation 2 BIOS lacks this functionality. However, in the game Gran Turismo 4, players can save screenshots to a flash drive or print them using certain USB printer models. Additionally, earlier console versions can launch games from a hard drive via a Network Adapter connected to the back of the console.
Cover from the game Gran Turismo 3
Support for original PlayStation games played a crucial role in the sales success of the PlayStation 2. This feature enabled existing PlayStation owners to transition to the new system while retaining their game library, and it allowed new users to access titles from the previous generation as they awaited new releases for the PlayStation 2. Additionally, older games benefited from enhancements such as accelerated disk reading and texture smoothing, which significantly improved both loading times and graphics quality.
However, a limited number of PS1 titles, including Metal Gear Solid: Special Missions, encountered compatibility issues when played on the PlayStation 2. This issue was largely addressed in the updated PlayStation 2 Slim model, which restored functionality for many of the problematic PS1 games.
Gran Turismo 3
The introduction of a network card, which is integrated into slim consoles, enabled online multiplayer capabilities for certain PlayStation 2 titles. Unlike Xbox Live, which operates on a unified subscription model, the multiplayer services for PlayStation 2 games are managed by individual publishers. Most titles that support online play necessitate a broadband Internet connection.
Since 2003, all new online PlayStation 2 games have been secured by the Dynamic Network Authentication System (DNAS). This system is designed to combat piracy and cheating by preventing online access if a game is detected as pirated or altered. Nevertheless, in recent years, methods have emerged that allow users to circumvent this protection by modifying specific game files.
Cover from the game Ratchet & Clank
The initial three models of the PlayStation 2, namely the SCPH-10000, SCPH-15000, and SCPH-18000, were exclusively available in Japan and lacked the Dev9 expansion port present in later versions, instead incorporating a PCMCIA port. To accommodate these models, a PCMCIA to Dev9 adapter was introduced. The SCPH-10000 and SCPH-15000 did not include a built-in DVD player; instead, they required users to copy an encrypted DVD player onto the memory card from a provided CD. The V3 model marked a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of internal design, featuring several interconnected printed circuit boards. From the V4 onward, all components, except for the power supply, were consolidated onto a single board. The V5 introduced only minor internal modifications. The V6 model saw a change in the pin configuration for the power/reset button, aimed at preventing the use of mod chips. The V7 and V8 models were quite similar to each other. With the introduction of the V9 (SCPH-50000/SCPH-50001), the assembly of the PlayStation 2 was relocated to China, an infrared port for DVD remote control was added, the FireWire port was eliminated, support for reading DVD-RW and +RW discs was introduced, progressive scan capabilities for DVDs were included, and a quieter fan was implemented. The V10 and V11 models featured only minor updates.
PlayStation 2 different colors
The PlayStation 2 console is primarily available in a matte black finish. However, various other colors have been released in limited quantities across different global markets, including bright white, light yellow, metallic blue (aqua), metallic silver, light blue, transparent blue, transparent black, pearl white, cherry blossom pink, gold, silver, snow white, vermilion, and transparent aqua.
In September 2004, Sony launched the third significant revision of the console (V12, model SCPH-70000), which was notably smaller, thinner, and quieter compared to its predecessors. This new model also included a built-in Ethernet port, and in certain regions, it featured a built-in modem. Due to its compact design, the expansion slot was removed, resulting in the loss of compatibility with the internal hard drive from earlier models. However, it was still possible to solder the IDE cable to the 70xxx series to connect to the CXD9731AGP/CXD9731GP chip harness. Additionally, the power supply unit was transitioned to an external configuration. This version became available for purchase in November 2004.
PlayStation 2 Model SCPH-30001
The emergence of hard drive incompatibility drew significant criticism, particularly because several games, including Final Fantasy XI, necessitated a hard drive, as did the official PS2 Linux package. Additionally, modifications were made to the MultiTap extension for the SCPH-70000 model. Currently, Sony offers only a new version of the MultiTap, which means that owners of older PlayStation 2 consoles wishing to engage in multiplayer gaming with four or more players must seek out a used MultiTap or acquire one from a different manufacturer. While third-party adapters were available for hard drive connections, the IDE interface was completely eliminated in the V14 model.
In 2006, Sony launched the V15 models (SCPH-77001a and SCPH-77001b), which were first introduced in Japan on September 15, 2006, before becoming available in North America and other regions.
PlayStation 2 Model SCPH-70001
Since July 2007, Sony has started distributing a new version of the slim PlayStation 2, known as the V16 (SCPH-79000), which weighs 600 grams, a reduction from the previous 900 grams of the SCPH-77001. Additionally, the power supply’s weight was decreased to 250 grams, down from 350 grams in the earlier model. A subsequent version, the V17 (SCPH-90000), was introduced for sale in Japan on November 22, 2007. This revision featured an updated internal design that integrated the power supply, resulting in a total console weight of 720 grams.
PlayStation 2 Model SCPH-90001
Sony introduced a consumer device known as the PSX, which not only played PlayStation 2 games but also functioned as a digital video recorder. The PSX was equipped with a remote control, while the controller, a specialized version of the DualShock 2, had to be purchased separately. It offered the capability to burn DVD-R and DVD-RW discs and included software for non-linear video editing using video and audio clips. The device was equipped with a 160 GB hard drive, with later models featuring a 250 GB option.
The PSX was launched in Japan on December 13, 2003. However, several key features were omitted from the initial design, leading to disappointing sales figures despite a notable reduction in price.
Sony PSX
The PSX is a comprehensive digital video player equipped with RF, S-video, and composite outputs. It can play analog VHF and CATV signals and includes a remote control. The console’s firmware features integrated software for video, photo, and audio editing.
The PSX is compatible with games from both PlayStation and PlayStation 2. Its compatibility with PlayStation 2 encompasses both software and hardware, as it utilizes the same Emotion Engine, Graphics Synthesizer, and input-output processor. Additionally, it supports online gaming for PlayStation 2 through an internal broadband adapter. Games that necessitate a hard drive on the PlayStation 2, such as Final Fantasy XI, are also playable. The standard PSX package does not come with the DualShock 2 controller, which must be purchased separately and is available in a unique ceramic white color. The console features two gamepad ports and slots for memory cards. Notably, the PSX introduced Sony’s graphical user interface, the XMB, which was later adopted by the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, various BRAVIA TV models, and other Sony devices launched after 2008.
The initial PSX models, DESR-5000 and DESR-7000, were equipped with 160GB and 250GB hard drives, respectively. In 2004, enhanced versions, the DESR-5100 and DESR-7100, were introduced, offering improved gamepad vibration and expanded video editing capabilities. The DESR-5500 model added VHF/UHF connectivity, while the DESR-7500 included satellite TV support. The most recent iterations, the DESR-5700 and DESR-7700, introduced PlayStation Portable connectivity for streaming audio and video content via USB.
Playstation 2 Specifications
Here’s the content formatted as an unordered list:
- Processor:
- 64-bit “Emotion Engine” clocked at 294.912 MHz (299 MHz in later versions)
- 10.5 million transistors
- Memory:
- 32 MB of Rambus RDRAM with a bandwidth of 3.2 GB/s
- Main Processor:
- 64-bit MIPS R5900 CPU core
- Floating-point coprocessor
- Vector Units:
- VU0 and VU1, 128-bit at 150 MHz
- VU0: Used for polygon transformations, physics, and other gameplay-related tasks
- VU1: Used for polygon transformations, lighting, and rendering-related calculations
- Performance:
- Floating-point performance: 6.2 GFlops
- 3D geometric transformation performance: 36 million polygons per second per VU
- Compressed Image Decoder:
- MPEG-2
- Cache:
- 16 KB instructions
- 8 KB + 16 KB data
- Graphics:
- Graphics Synthesizer at 147 MHz
- Image resolution: Variable, from 320×240 to 1920x1080i (connected via a component, but games max at 720x576i)
- Video memory: 4 MB eDRAM with a bandwidth of 48 GB/s, plus 32 MB of main memory allocatable for video memory
- Memory Bus: 2560-bit (1024 write, 1024 read, 512 read/write)
- Pixel Representation Format: RGB, alpha channel, Z-buffer
- I/O Processor:
- PS1 CPU running at 33.8 or 36.8 MHz (in later slim versions)
- Sound:
- 48-channel sound
- Sampling frequency: 44.1 or 48 kHz
- Interfaces:
- 2 ports for game controllers
- 2 memory card slots using MagicGate encryption technology
- 2 USB 1.1 ports
- IEEE-1394a ports for connecting external peripherals (only on SCPH-10000 – 3900x models)
- Infrared port for remote control (SCPH-500xx and later versions)
- Expansion Bay for 3.5″ HDD and Network Adaptor (models SCPH-300xx — 500xx)
- PC Card slot for Network Adaptor (PC Card) and external hard drive (models SCPH-10000, SCPH-15000, SCPH-18000)
- DVD Drive:
- Supported formats:
- PS2 CD-ROM
- PS1 CD-ROM
- Audio CD
- PS2 DVD-ROM (4.7 GB)
- Video DVD (4.7 GB)
- DVD-9 (8.5 GB)
- Latest models: DVD+RW and DVD-RW
- Supported formats:
- Dimensions:
- Original version (V0 — V11): 301×78×182 mm; weight — about 2.2 kg
- Slim version (V12 — V15): 230×28×152 mm; weight — about 900 g
- Slim version (V16): 230×28×152 mm; weight — about 600 g
- Slim version (V17): 230×28×152 mm; weight — about 720 g (internal power supply)
